pope benedict xvi changed the law of conclave. it allows the college of cardinals who skip the previously required 15-day waiting period before electing a successor. >> do it as quickly as possible. >> i'm very surprised. >> in place before easter week, which begins on march 24. >>> the upcoming election will make bay area history. >> for the first time, a former san francisco archbishop will be participating. kpix5 tells us, the historic vote may be over shadowed by a host of events leading up to it. >> a man of prayer. a person who has shown qualities of leadership. >> cardinal william, the former archbishop of san francisco and once the most powerful american listed some of the qualities he will look for when he goes to rome to select a new pope. >> the facility and the major languages is very helpful. >> but what he called this solemn duty may be over shadowed. the conclave of cardinals is happening in the middle of several church controversies. scotland's keith o'brian said he will not participate after allegations he made un